Most friendships are based on commonalities! However, as a science teacher my favorite type of relationship in creation are symbiotic. Seeing two unlikely animals mutually benefit each other is always heart warming. Knowing that one could inflict harm but chooses to protect causes me to pause. As rare as this dynamic is found in the animal kingdom I believe that it illustrates what God wants of mankind.

Several years ago, my friend Traci started an OWLS ministry at First Baptist Church of Lexington. Her heart's desire was to encourage and minister to the Older Wiser Loving Seniors. This last Thursday I attended a surprise birthday party for Traci, sponsored by her OWLS! The generational gap is a factor but it doesn't interfere with their mutual admiration and care of each other. When Traci came into the room I cried. I knew that they were meeting a special need of her heart.

How our world needs to see Christians who demonstrate care and respect. The tendency to fight and attack people who are "different" doesn't benefit anyone. Symbiotic behavior requires actively giving to meet a need and valuing what the other person has to offer! Being "different" is not a barrier but simply an obstacle to overcome! Jesus commissions me to make disciples of ALL nations! I need to be in a relationship in order for this to happen. Traci and the OWLS are a tremendous example of what God wants of me.

Happy birthday Traci!

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold,

I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:19-20